Service

Service Program

At Cardinal Newman, service is a cornerstone of our Catholic faith and an essential part of forming the whole student. Rooted in the example of Jesus—who came “not to be served but to serve” (Matthew 20:26)—we believe that serving others is a powerful way to live out God’s love.

Through meaningful service, students grow in empathy, develop leadership and teamwork skills, and gain a deeper understanding of their role in building a compassionate community. Our goal is to instill a lifelong desire to serve others, both within and beyond our school walls.

Students are required to complete a designated number of service hours each year and submit a written reflection that incorporates Scriptural references and insights gained in their Theology classes. All service hours are tracked through Mobile Serve.

Below, you’ll find helpful guidelines and a list of service ideas and opportunities to support your student in fulfilling this important part of their spiritual and personal development.

Required hours for each grade for the year:

Middle school students – 15hrs

9th grade – 20hrs

10th grade – 30hrs

11th & 12th grades – 40hrs

Awards:

Teens (ages 11–15) Bronze: 50–74 hrs          Silver: 75–99 hrs       Gold: 100+ hrs       

YA (ages 16–18)     Bronze: 100–174 hrs        Silver: 175–249 hrs     Gold: 250+ hrs

Required hours can be divided between service to the church, the school and the community - the 3 pillars. Organizations should be non-profit & engaged in activities that are not contrary to Catholic teaching.

Community service hours: half must be completed before Christmas break, and the rest by the second week of April.

Each grade will be given opportunities for service but not all service requirements can or will be met in conjunction with school. Examples of organizations within the 3 pillars are as follows, though there are countless others:

Church:                                            Community:                                        School:

Local Churches                                Urban League                                    Retreat Team

VBS                                                    Harvest Hope                                     Christian Service Team

Catholic Charities                            Transitions                                         CN Dance Marathon

                                                           Oliver Gospel 

                                                           Special Olympics                                               

Mission Trips:

Our students have traveled to Mexico, Costa Rica and beyond to help serve those in need. In 2025, our students are participating in a domestic service trip to Kentucky, and an international service trip to Panama. 

Traveling to Mexico for the mission trip was really an eye-opening experience for me and my classmates. Hearing the laughter from the children we visited, the gratefulness in the eyes of the elderly we met, and the thankfulness from all the families we came in contact with, made the long trip worth it.

Kemp Wilson, CN Class of 2024